Araxá Project’s 40.6Mt Resource Draws Government and Community Backing
St George Mining’s Araxá Project in Brazil gains significant government and community support, highlighting its potential as a world-class rare earths and niobium resource with sustainable mining at its core.
- Over 200 stakeholders attended Araxá Open Day and Critical Minerals Forum
- Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema endorses project’s economic and environmental benefits
- Araxá Project holds a JORC-compliant resource of 40.6Mt at 4.13% TREO
- Strong local community engagement and partnerships with educational institutions
- Ongoing drilling and downstream processing initiatives advancing project development
A Showcase of Commitment and Collaboration
St George Mining Limited recently hosted an Open Day and Critical Minerals Forum in Araxá, Brazil, drawing more than 200 attendees from government, community, and industry sectors. The event underscored the company’s commitment to transparent engagement and sustainable development of its 100%-owned Araxá niobium and rare earth elements (REE) project.
Governor Romeu Zema of Minas Gerais, a native of Araxá, addressed the forum, emphasizing the project’s role in diversifying the local economy and strengthening Brazil’s critical minerals supply chain. His endorsement reflects the state government’s broader support for responsible mining ventures that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
A World-Class Resource in a Mining-Friendly Region
The Araxá Project boasts a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate of 40.6 million tonnes at 4.13% total rare earth oxides (TREO), making it the largest and highest-grade carbonatite-hosted REE resource in South America and the second highest grade in the Western world. Adjacent to CBMM’s renowned niobium operations, the project benefits from established infrastructure and a skilled local workforce.
St George’s Executive Chairman, John Prineas, highlighted the project’s relatively small environmental footprint compared to other rare earth projects, noting the absence of indigenous land impacts and the region’s long history of mining. This context provides a foundation for community acceptance and regulatory cooperation.
Driving Innovation and Community Development
Beyond resource development, St George is advancing downstream processing capabilities through partnerships with local educational institutions such as CEFET MG. The planned pilot plant and technological center aim to foster innovation and skills development, reinforcing the project’s socio-economic contributions.
Community leaders, including Araxá’s Mayor Robson Magela, praised St George’s inclusive approach and social initiatives like the Araxá Socio-Environmental Action Network, which supports local projects. This engagement strategy is critical in maintaining social license and ensuring long-term benefits for the region.
Strategic Partnerships and Forward Momentum
St George has secured cooperation agreements with the Minas Gerais government to expedite permitting and is actively involved in the MagBras initiative, which aims to establish Brazil’s first permanent magnet manufacturing facility. These collaborations position the Araxá Project as a cornerstone in Brazil’s emerging critical minerals ecosystem.
Ongoing drilling campaigns have expanded the resource base and uncovered new high-grade zones, underpinning confidence in the project’s growth potential. With a capable in-country team and strong institutional support, St George is well placed to progress toward a final investment decision.
Bottom Line?
As St George advances the Araxá Project, its blend of strong local ties, government backing, and sustainable innovation sets the stage for Brazil’s critical minerals future.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the timeline for the Araxá Project’s final investment decision and production commencement?
- How will St George balance environmental sustainability with scaling up operations?
- What impact will downstream processing partnerships have on Brazil’s rare earths supply chain?
